5 Most improved performers of the G1 Climax 31

4) Chase Owens – G1 Climax 31

Chase Owens was viewed by many as a surprise participant in the G1 Climax 31. The Bullet Club member has always been one of the lower card performers in the junior heavyweight, tag team, and heavyweight divisions. He hasn't been given many opportunities to stand out, which this tournament gave him.

For many fans, Chase Owens would be at the bottom of the likely winners of the B Block of the G1 Climax 31. However, he was far from an easy win for any of his opponents. On Night 2 of the G1 Climax 31, he put on a rock-solid bout against Jeff Cobb, with the former Olympian pulling out the win with the Tour of the Islands.

Chase Owens pulled off one of the greatest upsets on Night 10 of G1 Climax 31. Hiroshi Tanahashi is the Ace and one of the biggest stars in company history. The former eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion has etched his name in the record books and is always at the top of the block standings, but this was different.

Tanahashi experienced difficulty throughout this year's tournament, but none tougher than the G1 Climax 31 Night 10. Chase Owens and Hiroshi Tanahashi put on a very good contest with the conclusion of seeing Owens hit the package piledriver to defeat The Ace. This victory led to another great battle with Kazuchika Okada where Owens fell short in a close contest.